Tacori Wins Copyright, Trade Dress Lawsuit

April 9, 2009byJCK Magazine

Jewelry manufacturer Tacori said in a statement Wednesday that it was awarded more than $1.18 million by a U.S. District Court judgment as well as a permanent injunction against Beverlly Jewellry Company in a copyright and trade dress case.

Tacori alleged in the suit that Beverlly was selling and manufacturing rings that were sufficiently similar to rings bearing what the statement calls the “Tacori Look,” in a way that may confuse customers into thinking that Beverlly’s rings were associated with Tacori.

The order by Judge Gary A. Feess of the U.S. District Court, Central District of California, permanently enjoins Beverlly from copying Tacori’s jewelry and copyrights, infringing on the trade dress of Tacori, or aiding any other person or businesses who engages in any of these unlawful activities, Tacori said.

Tacori, based in Los Angeles, said it was awarded $832,245.25 in damages and $350,090.76 in attorneys’ fees.

“This is a victory not only for Tacori, but for our stores who carry our exclusive designs,” said Paul Tacorian, Tacori senior vice president of Marketing & Sales. “Tacori is committed to supporting our authorized retailers who legitimately carry Tacori designs and we want to protect their investment in Tacori. Consumers deserve to wear authentic Tacori designs with confidence, and without the confusion of knock-offs in the marketplace.”

Tacori’s representation in court was led by Howard A. Kroll of the Christie, Parker & Hale law firm in California.